World's best skiers are coming to Mt Hutt

Mt Hutt is gearing up for an adrenalin-filled month as international athletes begin to arrive for the 2010 competition season.

Some of the world’s best skiers are booked to train at the Red Bull International Race Training Arena in preparation for the alpine racing season which begins with FIS (International Ski Federation) races in New Zealand, then moves to the Northern Hemisphere for the World Cup Circuit.

Amongst the stars coming back to Mt Hutt this winter are several medal winners from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Games including gold medalists Bode Miller (USA), silver medalist Tina Maze (SLO) and bronze medalist Andrew Weibrecht (USA).

Mt Hutt’s Race Department Head, Paul Marks, said the Ski Area was very much looking forward to welcoming back those who trained at Mt Hutt for several years in the lead up to the last Olympics.

“We have the US Men, Slovenian Men and Women, Swiss Women, German Women, Norwegian Men and Women and Canadian Women all booked for this year – these are the teams that dominated the medal ceremonies and we’re delighted to welcome them back to Mt Hutt as they train towards the next set of races.

“Mt Hutt is mainly a training destination for these teams but many will also compete in our races to get back into competition mode after time off from racing in North America and Europe.”

Great viewing of the skiers in action is offered at the Red Bull International Race Training Arena. Now in its third year, the Arena offers some of the best Downhill and Super G training in the Southern Hemisphere, and the public can stand literally meters away and watch skiers race past at speeds of 110 km/h.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity - there’s no way you could get this close to so many amazing snow athletes in other parts of the world. We’re hoping people take advantage of that and come and check it out.”

Also coming to Methven this winter is the biggest alpine ski-race in Australasia - The Australia New Zealand Cup Finals (ANC) – to be held Mt Hutt from 7- 11 September.

The five-day event is expected to be the biggest competition seen at Mt Hutt since New Zealand’s only World Cup race was held here in 1990 The ANC is expected to attract over 25 nations and more than 120 athletes, coaches and crew for the Super G, Super Combined, Giant Slalom and Slalom racing.